Friday, September 10, 2010

Jogja finale: Kraton, Water Castle, Gua Creme & Parangtritis

I have almost forgotten all about the Jogja finale I promised weeks ago. My apologies and here we go..

On the final day of my guided travel to Jogja, we started with a visit to Kraton, the Sultan of Jogja's palace. Apparently he is the current governor of Jogja. I am not a big fan of museum. In fact I find museums to be really boring. Learned a bit of Jogja's governance but I would say you can just skip this if you are short of time.

Kraton
Kraton entrance


Kraton
Apparently he is the Good Guard of the palace. They also have a Bad Guard. Both symbolising good & evil in the world. Hmm..


Kraton is connected to Taman Sari Water Castle, which was used to be the Sultan's park. Weather was getting really hot by the time we reach there and we were just looking for shade!

Taman Sari Water Castle
Taman Sari Water Castle


Taman Sari Water Castle
The Water Castle is surrounded by village houses. The villagers are mainly involved in batik making industry. I found a short stretch of wall filled with batik mural painting.



We then proceed to Gua Cerme at the south of Jogja. It was not in the initial plan but as we had extra time before our final destination to Parangtritis, we decided to make use of that. The journey was very long and the cave is quite hidden.


Gua Cerme
It was a well-taken care area. There are still some prayers being conducted here. Kinda creepy if you ask me. We went inside the cave, like 50m, just to get a feel of the place. The entire journey inside the cave can take 4 hours.


We proceeded to Parangtritis Beach, one of the most famous and dangerous beach in Jogja. No swimming is allowed here, and believe or not - my tour guide refused to allow me to go near the sea or take off my jacket because I was wearing green. It is a belief that any person wearing green will be lured into the sea  by the Queen of South Sea!

Parangtritis Beach
This beach has the most ferocious waves I have ever seen. There is no way anyone could swim here.



Parangtritis Beach
At the same time, it has a lovely sunset.


I spent the fourth day in Jogja doing shopping. Yes, the entire day :P. It was a lovely place with good people around you. If you have a taste for archeology, greenery, sunsets and batik, then Jogja is for you.


Parangtritis Beach


Previous posts on Jogja:
Sambisari & Kalasan
Prambanan & Ratu Boko's Palace
Borobodur
Mendut, Ketep Pass & Gedong Songo

Wednesday, September 01, 2010

30

So I joined the 30s club today. Wasn't expecting much and the day started pretty blurry. It must be the good aura surrounding me that turned the entire day upside down - in a good way.

No camera flashes or expensive dining this time.
It was just me and people I love to be with.

I don't know how tomorrow will turn out to be.
But I know, I will cherish this day.

Thank you.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Jogja, Indonesia - Mendut, Ketep Pass & Gedong Songo

After spending considerable time at Borobodur, we continued the journey to Ketep Pass. On our way, we stopped by Candi Mendut, a 9th century Buddhist temple which is still being used for prayers. We were told that on Vesak Day, there will be a pilgrim from Borobodur to Mendut. Both were built around the same time and there is another temple, Pawon which we didn't get to visit.

Mendut
Candi Mendut.


Mendut
This was brilliant. Offered prayers here.


Mendut
Another view of the Buddha.


Mendut
Detailed carvings at Mendut.


We, then continued the journey to Ketep Pass or Ketep Hill. The journey was like going to a far away land. LOL! We passed by villages, plantations and rice fields on our way there. No candis here, if you are wondering. But you will get a beautiful view of Mt Merapi from here, provided the weather is good.

Ketep Pass
On the way to Ketep Pass.


Mt Merapi
Mt Merapi from Ketep Pass.


It was a quick visit though. We stopped by for lunch before continuing a 2 1/2 hour journey to Gedong Songo. It was not in the initial plan but as we could not visit Dieng Plateu due to unforeseen circumstances, we decided to give Gedong Songo a try. Here, you will find 9 small temples in a sprawling hilly area. It is quite impossible for one to walk the entire journey, so we decided to rent horses instead. It turned out to be an experience I personally will never forget.


Gedong Songo
Jamunaa getting onto the horse. LOL!


Gedong Songo
Us, with one of the temple as the background.


Gedong Songo marks the end of Day 2. It was a tiring day that started at 3am! Day 3 was the final day of our guided tour and I will be posting some pics taken on Day 3 in the Jogja finale.